The regional spokesperson of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Mashudu Malabi-Dzhangi, has confirmed to Polokwane Review that Sophie Mmako was granted bail on February 4.

Mmako is believed to be the mastermind behind the double murder of Lizette and Hettie Deacon, for whom she worked as a domestic worker.

The double murder sent shockwaves through the community in September 2020. Mmako is one of four accused who are set to stand trial from August 1 to 12.

Mmako, Lazarus Mahlo (43), Advance Amid (32) and Casper Mudau (37) were arrested for the murder of the two women following a 72-hour activation plan.

In the case’s latest developments, Polokwane Review earlier this week learned that Mmako was released on bail, however, details surrounding her release could not be confirmed immediately.

“Mmako approached the Limpopo High Court: Polokwane Division last month after numerous failed attempts to be granted bail in the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court. Judge Janine Ungerer denied Mmako’s bail applications as she felt the state had a strong case against Mmako, that she had several addresses and poses a flight risk, and that releasing her on bail will undermine public peace and security,” Malabi-Dzhangi told Review.

Acting Judge Maboku Mangena heard Mmako’s bail application in which new information surfaced, according to Malabi-Dzhangi.

“Mmako gave two addresses in Zebediela and Westenburg, which was not mentioned in the magistrate’s court. In his view the magistrate failed to bring an objective and impartial mind in determining the outcome of bail. Mangena felt the magistrate placed too much strength on the state’s case and failed to bring relevant factors to find balance in the case,” she explained.

According to Malabi-Dzhangi, Mangena said the accused cannot be kept in custody as a form of punishment.

“He made the point that a person is innocent until proven guilty by the court. In his view, Mmako met the exceptional circumstances to be granted bail which he set at R1 000. Her bail conditions state that she must visit the Magatle Police Station twice a week, not leave her residence in Zebediela without informing the presiding officer and that she does not communicate with witnesses,” she added.

Advocate Justice Mthombeni of the state opposed the granting of bail as he feels Mmako faces serious charges that, if proven guilty, may see her sentenced to life imprisonment.

“Mthombeni said Mmako already made a confession to the crime and this is thus sufficient to satisfy the requirement that the state only needs to establish a prima facie case against her.”

Malabi-Dzhangi concluded to say that the Directorate of Public Prosecutions “scrutinises the decision” to grant Mmako bail.

“The legal team is accessing the matter with the interest of appealing the matter. The other accused are still in custody and will appear alongside Mmako when trial starts.”